5 Best Remote Team Building Activities That Don’t Feel Forced
Some of the best remote team building activities don’t feel like team building at all—and that’s the magic. When you're working across time zones and screens, the last thing anyone wants is another “mandatory fun” hour that lands with a thud. The key? Give people a reason to actually show up, connect, and maybe even enjoy themselves.
We’ve spent years designing retreats and team experiences that bring people together in ways that feel natural, energizing, and actually fun. Along the way, we’ve seen what works—and what gets politely ignored. Here are a few of our favorite activities that remote teams genuinely get into. They’re simple, smart, and most importantly, they don’t feel like a forced group hug.
1. Speed Sketch & Guess
This one is pure energy in motion. Think Pictionary, but with lower stakes and zero pressure to be good at drawing.
Here’s how it works:
One person sketches something using a digital whiteboard or screen share
Everyone else guesses in real time
Fast rounds keep it light and fun
This format sparks laughter, inside jokes, and that satisfying feeling of being in sync with your team. It’s also easy to run on Zoom or any video platform with a drawing tool.
2. The Five-Item Challenge
This is a creative thinking exercise disguised as a team bonding game. Set a theme (surviving a zombie apocalypse, planning the ultimate team retreat, launching a secret mission) and ask each person to pick five items they’d bring.
The catch? Everyone must explain their choices.
The result is a mix of wild ideas, practical insights, and weirdly revealing logic. It’s a perfect way to surface personality and problem-solving styles without calling it out directly.
3. Custom Playlist Build
Music is a vibe-setter. A shared playlist helps people feel seen and connected, even when they’re continents apart.
Start with a theme:
"Songs that match our Monday energy"
"Tracks that got us through last quarter"
"Anthems for our next launch"
Invite everyone to drop in one song. Use Spotify, YouTube, or whatever platform your team likes. The playlist becomes a little digital artifact of your shared experience.
4. Virtual Show & Tell: Chaos Edition
This one never fails. Ask everyone to grab the weirdest or most random item within arm’s reach. Then give each person 60 seconds to tell a story about it—true or made up.
It works because it’s fast, it’s funny, and it doesn’t ask for deep vulnerability or public speaking skills. Plus, it opens the door for creative storytelling and playful banter.
5. Async Question of the Week
Drop one simple question every Monday: “What was your first job?” or “What’s your go-to snack?” People can chime in whenever. It’s perfect for teams spread across time zones, and it builds connection in the background—no calendar invites necessary.
What Makes Remote Team Building Click
The best remote team building activities have one thing in common: they feel easy. Because they’re built around how people naturally interact. No one’s forced into awkward moments or elaborate games. It’s all about simple ways to connect that actually stick. Here’s why these types of activities tend to land well:
No Complex Instructions
Clear, simple prompts make it easy to join in. No one’s confused, no one’s overwhelmed, and there’s no learning curve. If it takes more than one or two sentences to explain, it’s probably too much.
One clear idea
Zero prep or close to it
Uses tools people already have
Everyone Joins in Their Own Way
Some people drop a comment. Others just react with an emoji. Some scroll through and smile. All of it counts. There’s no single “right” way to participate, which makes it easier for everyone to feel comfortable.
The Pressure’s Off
No live spotlight. No one has to lead the charge or be the most outgoing voice. Group formats and async setups keep it relaxed. That kind of low-pressure environment invites more honest participation.
They Build Shared Context
These moments create reference points—little things people remember and bring up later. That shared context builds team culture slowly, through repetition and familiarity. It becomes part of how the group relates, works, and laughs together.
Say Bye to Awkward, Hello to Fun
Let’s be honest—remote team events can go sideways fast. One awkward icebreaker, one too-long rules explanation, and boom—everyone’s silently begging for a “WiFi issue” excuse. But when it’s done right? Whole different story.
That’s our jam at The Offsite. We create live-hosted virtual events that are fun, fast-moving, and actually give teams a reason to show up (and stay). Our hosts know how to read the room, keep the energy high, and make sure no one’s stuck in cringe-mode. Just good vibes, real laughs, and everyone feeling a little more connected by the end of it.
Designed specifically for remote teams
Hosted live by pros who know how to bring the fun
80%+ engagement on average.
Time-zone friendly and easy to join from anywhere
Zero overthinking. Just log on and enjoy.
Some of Our Fan Favorites (and Yes, They’re as Fun as They Sound)
The Legend of Treasure Mountain
Race in teams to solve puzzles and hunt for gold before time runs out. It’s a high-stakes mountain escape with bragging rights on the line.
Escape to Alpha Centauri
Blast off across the galaxy with your co-workers in a space-themed adventure full of twists, teamwork, and just enough sci-fi drama.
Lip Sync Karaoke
Let the chaos commence. This one’s loud, fun, and full of unexpected stars. Zero singing talent required. Full team joy guaranteed.
Blast from the Past
Travel through the decades, crush team challenges, and relive some iconic moments. Think nostalgia overload with a competitive twist.
Wanna see more? Check out all our virtual events here.
Over 2,000 teams jump into our events every month—and they stay coming back. They’re made for teams who work hard, live on Slack, and still want to have fun together. Whether you’re bonding across cities, countries, or continents, this is how remote culture gets a whole lot stronger (and a lot more fun).
Team Bonding, But Actually Fun
It’s easy to overthink remote team bonding—but the best remote team building activities are the ones that feel effortless, natural, and fun. Think simple formats, zero pressure, and the kind of shared moments that help teams vibe, even across continents. When people are engaged without feeling pushed, that’s where real connection happens.
Whether it’s racing to escape a mountain, syncing up to karaoke chaos, or laughing through space trivia, these events were made for modern teams who deserve more than calendar filler. Go browse our lineup, book your vibe, and let’s make something amazing happen. Your next team favorite is one click away.
FAQs
How do I make these work for people who don’t love small talk?
Pick activities with structure and purpose. Icebreakers with a twist, creative games, or low-pressure prompts help people open up naturally—without the “go around and say something” awkwardness.
What if people don’t show up?
Keep it consistent and fun. Regular events with variety build habits. Give teams a reason to be there—make it something they actually look forward to.
How often should we run this kind of thing?
We recommend every 2–4 weeks for the best rhythm. It keeps connection fresh without burning people out.
What platforms can you run events on?
We’re flexible. Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Webex—you name it. We match the energy to the space.
Do we have to prep anything beforehand?
Nope. We handle all the hosting, prep, and pacing. Your team just shows up ready to connect and have a good time.